Algae bloom suspends swimming at Verona Beach State Park. What you need to know

Edward Harris, Observer-Dispatch
·2 min read

The Verona Beach State Park swim area in Verona Beach will remain closed indefinitely due to a harmful algal bloom, according to a post on the park's Facebook page.

Swimming at the park swim area has been closed since Friday due to blue green algae, according to the post.

Verona Beach State Park announced the indefinite closure Tuesday.

Officials said visitors may still walk on the sand, but advised against entering the water.

The splash pad at the location remains open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., officials said.

About algal blooms

Most algae are harmless and are an important part of the food chain, according to information available through the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Some species of algae can produce toxins that can be harmful to people and animals, the DEC said. Blooms of these types of algae, like the one currently occurring at the park, are referred to as harmful algal blooms (HABs).

According to the DEC, HABS are triggered by a combination of water and environmental conditions that include:

  • Excess nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen)

  • Lots of sunlight

  • Low-water or low-flow conditions

  • Calm water

  • Warm temperatures

The HABs can be short-lived or long-lived depending on the weather and characteristics of the body of water.

The DEC recommends that people, pets and livestock avoid the algae blooms. Never drink, prepare food, cook or make ice with untreated surface water.

The DEC further notes people living on public water supplies should not drink surface water during an algal bloom, even if it is treated. In-home treatments do not protect against HABs toxins, the DEC said.

If you come into contact with the algae bloom, the DEC suggests rinsing the area with clean water to remove the algae. Immediately seek medical attention if symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties occur after coming into contact with a bloom.

Verona Beach State Park said it would update residents when it is safe to resume swimming in the affected area.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Swimming suspended at Verona Beach State Park due to Algae bloom